Strawberry Poke Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake is made with white cake, soaked with a mixture of white chocolate strawberry sauce, topped with strawberry pie filling and creamy whipped cream.

There’s something magical about a dessert that combines the tender, fluffy texture of a white cake with the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries. Enter the Strawberry Poke Cake, a delightful treat that promises to be the highlight of any gathering. With its vibrant layers and luscious toppings, this cake is not just a feast for the eyes but a joy for the taste buds as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Poke Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet looks like a show-stopper that will impress any guest. The cake’s moist texture, thanks to the white chocolate strawberry sauce, melts in your mouth, while the whipped cream and strawberry pie filling add a refreshing touch of spring in every bite. It’s a dessert that truly feels like a dream come true.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Two 9-inch round baking pans
• Wire racks
• Measuring cups
• Small saucepan
• Serrated knife
• Meat fork or wooden skewer

Ingredients

• 1 package (18 1/4 ounces) white cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 package (16 ounces) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
• 1 (12-ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided (use 1 1/2 containers)
• Fresh strawberries, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil on low speed for 30 seconds. Then, increase to medium speed and continue beating for 2 minutes.
2. Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Using a serrated knife, level the top of each cake if necessary. Return layers, top side up, to two clean 9-inch round baking pans. Pierce cakes at 1/2-inch intervals with a meat fork or wooden skewer.
4. Drain the juice from the strawberries into a 2-cup measuring cup; refrigerate the berries. Add water to the juice to measure 2 cups and pour into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then stir in the gelatin until dissolved. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Gently spoon the gelatin mixture over each cake layer. Chill for 2-3 hours.
6. Dip the bottom of one pan in warm water for 10 seconds. Invert the cake onto a serving platter. Top with reserved strawberries and 1 cup of whipped topping. Place the second cake layer over the topping.
7. Frost the cake with the remaining whipped topping. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with fresh berries if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking and adding the gelatin mixture to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract to the cake batter.
• Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts when leveling the cake and slicing it for serving.

Additional Tips or Variations

Try swapping the white cake mix for a yellow or vanilla cake mix for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different fruit toppings such as blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley poke cake.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 300
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh strawberries can be used; however, you may need to add a bit of sugar to them to match the sweetness of the frozen sweetened variety.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it tastes even better as the flavors meld together.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

Freshly whipped cream is a great alternative if you prefer a more homemade touch.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Poke Cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Its ease of preparation and deliciously moist texture make it a go-to for any occasion. Why not give it a try and let us know how it turns out? We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!